Ali Bytes: Bullet-sized strategies for modern living

Finally, we can say goodbye to rain. I don’t know about you but I was not pleased with April showers and am fully ready for some real spring weather. In case you missed any, here are the better lists from April.

Which was your favorite on the smörgåsbord that is Ali Bytes?

1. 6 reasons to pay closer attention to mobile advocacy
2. 7 ways to make money on the side
3. 7 elements of a good apology
4. 14 other “stuff people like” blogs
5. 12 songs recently added to my ipod
6. 5 magazine ads that worked
7. 3 things you should get out of live music

Today was Ben and Jerry’s free cone day (sorry for the late notice!) Directly from their website, here are the top 10 flavors. What is your favorite? Mine is vanilla heath bar crunch.

1. Cherry Garcia® Ice Cream
2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
3. Chocolate Fudge Brownie™ Ice Cream
4. Chunky Monkey® Ice Cream
5. Half Baked™ Ice Cream
6. Phish Food® Ice Cream
7. New York Super Fudge Chunk® Ice Cream
8. Coffee Heath Bar Crunch® Ice Cream
9. Cherry Garcia® Low Fat Frozen Yogurt
10. Peanut Butter Cup™ Ice Cream

It’s live music season. Tonight I saw David Ford, Rachel Yamagata and Sara Bareilles at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. All were fantastic. Here’s what I think you should always get out of a live performance - all of which made tonight’s show great.

1. The story: I want to know what’s behind the song, what inspired them to write it like how their heart was broken or they went on a trip to Africa. It makes me appreciate it so much more. Like Sara’s (yes, we’re on a first name basis now - see #3) song “Between the Lines” which is about her ex-boyfriend.
2. Customization: If I wanted to hear the song exactly as it is on the album, I wouldn’t go see it live. Good shows put a slight twist on a few songs.
3. Personality: Whether using humor or making a political statement, good live music shows the personality of the musicians. I want to leave feeling like I’m sort of friends with them because I got an insider view of who they “really” are.

Kudos to those who answered this week’s poll. Unfortunately, I forgot to include a “who are you?” question so can only guess who these came from. These are some practical ways to go green.

Before you read these, answer this week’s poll (speaking of green). Tax returns are coming and last week I won a $300 gift - an ipod touch - in a technology competition that I’m going to return so tell me: What would you do with an extra $300?

1. Turn down heat. Wear a sweater. Turn up air conditioner. Take sweater off.
2. Install a ceiling fan. It’s much better than air conditioning.
3. I drive an H3 around the parking lot for hours looking for the perfect spot. Then I take the elevator up and down, stopping at every floor for about an hour. Afterwards I turn on every light I can in the office. Okay, so seriously I park in the first spot I see and don’t really mind walking great distances. And whenever I can (as in when my arms aren’t full) I take the stairs. The best part of taking the stairs is that not only are you saving energy, but you’re also getting a little bit of a workout in. It’s no lose!
4. Three people said this: I use reusable shopping bags. Added bonus: Complete several errands in one trip.
5. I recycle.
6. I take the train to work most days! I second this and have never owned a car (though I do fly a lot).